Along with other MP's, Sir George was invited to his local branch of Ladbroke's to place a bet on the Grand National. Ladbroke's offered MP's a £50 bet, provided any winnings went to charity.

"I am afraid my choice of horses was not as good as it might have been. Seabass was the closest I got, and we were pipped a little way off the post. But I got quite good odds at 14-1."

Sir George met employees and punters in the shop, which has moved from Bridge St. "The last time I went in, you could hardly see through the smoke. This time, I could leave without my clothes smelling of tobacco!"

Sir George was told of the arrangement that Ladbrokes had to enable those who wanted to give up gambling to self-refer themselves so they would not be allowed to bet for a given length of time.